Corn detasseling machine



J. H. scHLEssMAN CORN DETASSELING MACHINE Oct. 17, 1950 '2 Sheets-Sheet 1 -Filed May 22, 1946 INVENTOR. Jnlesmwz ATTD RN EYE Patented Oct. 17, 1950 UNITED ySTATES PATENT OFFICE 2,526,583 CORN DETASSELING MACHINE John H. Schlessman, Avery, Ohio Application May 22, 1946, Serial No. 671,592`

. 1 Claim. l

This kinvention relates to improvements in machines for detasseling corn.

To raise hybrid corn for seed it is necessary to plant four or six rows of one kind called the parent, and one or two rows called the pollinator. The tassels of the parent stalks must be removed before they shed pollen. This is very tiresome work if it is done on the ground, especially if the corn is very tall. v

It is an object of this invention to provide a machine including a frame construction upon which men may stand and work above the corn, the machine having a front wheel drive and requiring only one operator.

A further object is the provision of a detasseling machine having a main frame construction to which can be added a plurality of extensions to enable a plurality of men to work on the same machine to detassel corn.

These and other objects are attained by the novel construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and Villustrated by the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the machine.

Fig. 2 is a front View of the machine.

Fig. 3 is a plan View of the power means for the machine.

Referring to the drawings, the detasseling machine is shown to include a carriage having a rectangular shaped frame construction with four vertical posts I, cross members 2, steering post 3 operated by steering wheel 4. The operator stands on a floor or platform supported by the posts I.

The machine is controlled `by, a foot pedal 5 which is connected to a'belt idler4 I2 and the wheel brake 6. The machine is driven by an air cooled engine I through twin V-belts I3 to a transmission II.

Main axle bearings I6 and I1 support a shaft for the wheel 30 'and front driven gear 9 which is driven by front wheel drive gear 8, the latter driven by sprocket wheel and chain 'I receiving power from the transmission I I.

In general, the machine is a welded tubular construction having tubular cross members or beams 20 at the upper part thereof adapted to receive telescoping tubes 2| for attaching extensions to the machine, the tubes being tightly secured by clamps 40. Diagonal braces I extend between the intermediate platforms and the telescopic beams. The rear ends of the intermediate platforms are supported by wheels 4 I.

A feature of the machine is the front wheel drive by a 11/2 or 2 horsepower engine mounted on top of the front wheel, giving plenty of power to drive the machine. It does not take an extra man to operate the machine, as it drives and steers so easily that the man having the right hand row can steer and detassel his row wit ease.

The machine is constructed to carry six men or boys, or in a few minutes the extensions can be taken off to make it a four rowrnachine.

The stopping and going ahead is done by means of the brake pedal 5. By stepping on the brake pedal the brake is applied and the clutch throws the machine out of gear. To start the machine moving, pressure is released from the brake pedal.

From the above description it will be seen that there has been provided a simple and inexpensive machine for greatly facilitating the detasseling of corn.

The above description is to be considered as illustrative and not limitative of the invention, of which modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claim.

The invention having been described, what is claimed is:

Inja corn detasseling machine, the combination which comprises a plurality of spaced longitudinally disposed elongated juxtapositioned platforms including a center platform, intermediate platforms and end platforms, transversely disposed front and rear telescoping beams spaced above and extended across the front and rear ends of the said platforms, respectively, a driving and steering wheel journaled in a yoke pivotally mounted on the forward end of the center platform, power means carried by the yoke, said power means driving the driving and steering wheel, means for adjusting the position of the saidv driving and steering wheel for steering the machine, said driving and steering Wheel'supporting the forward end of the center platform,

follower wheels extended downwardly from, journaled on and supporting the rear end of each of the intermediate platforms, vertically disposed posts connecting the front and rear ends of the y platforms to the telescoping beams, and diagonal braces extended between the platforms and telescoping beams.

JOHN H. SCHLESSMAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patenti UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,310,542 Pratt July 22, 1919 y1,366,771 Devencenzi Jan. 25, 1921 2,081,681 Seeber May 25, 1937 2,095,007 Pfister Oct. 5, 1937 2,272,349 Noser Feb. 10, 1942 2,317,606 Harris Apr. 27, 1943 2,423,167 Aune July 1, 1947 

